Ole Gunnar Solskjaer misses out on Besiktas job as ex-Arsenal star is hired in shock late move
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has missed out on a return to football management to a former Arsenal star.
The United legend hasn’t worked in management since he was sacked as Manchester United boss in November 2021.
Earlier reports indicated that he was one step away from becoming Besiktas manager.
The move would have seen him renew rivalries with the man he replaced at Man Utd, Jose Mourinho, who was announced as Fenerbache boss earlier this week.
But Besiktas have instead opted for former Arsenal and Barcelona star Giovanni van Bronckhorst instead of Solskjaer.
Van Bronckhorst most recently managed Rangers between 2021 and 2022.
Prior to that he had spells at Feyenoord and Chinese outfit Guangzhou.
It means that Solskjaer still hasn’t managed since losing the United job in 2021.
He led United to consecutive top four finishes in his first two seasons as permanent manager.
The 2020-21 season also saw him reach the final of the Europa League, where United were beaten on penalties by Villarreal.
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He was sacked in his third season in charge after a poor start to the 2021-22 campaign.
Besiktas have been without a permanent manager since sacking former Portugal boss Fernando Santos in April.
According to ESPN, Solskjaer was first contacted to take over as Santos‘ replacement when Santos was still in charge of the club in April.
Speaking on Gary Neville‘s Stick to Football podcast in March this year, Solskjaer confirmed he had turned down “a few” roles in management as he bided his time over a return to the game.
Van Bronckhorst faces a mammoth task in restoring Besiktas to their former glory, with the club finishing 46 points behind league winners Galatasaray last season.
Besiktas last won the Turkish title in 2021.
Pundits' verdict on Ten Hag's future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future?
Michael Owen – He has to go
“He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
“If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”